JFK airport baggage handlers strike despite sacking threat

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JFK airport baggage handlers strike despite sacking threat

‘We should be paid a lot better,’ say workers contracted by Aviation Safeguards to British Airways and United

Contract workers at New York’s John F Kennedy airport took strike action on Thursday morning despite a recent letter sent by their employer warning of possible consequences including termination.

British Airways and United Airlines passengers arriving at JFK were greeted by a picket line of striking baggage handlers. Some people snapped photos and videos as they passed.

The workers who were on strike are employed by Aviation Safeguards, part of Command Security – a company that provides baggage handlers and security guards to various airlines at New York City’s airports. About 100 of those workers handle baggage for British Airways and United Airlines at JFK.

The reason for Thursday’s strike was the lack of union representation, low wages and a hostile working environment, say the workers. The strike also served to prove a point, as Aviation Safeguards recently sent a letter to its employees informing them of potential consequences, including termination, for striking and speaking out.

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http://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/feb/13/jfk-airport-security-guards-and-baggage-handlers-strike-despite-sacking-threat

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